Now the dust has settled. My ten bobs worth

[toptoon]

Ok, Pat. It’s quite common knowledge - just google/youtube it if you’re interested.

[Ragatino]

You see Unionists and Republicans marching together for a common cause in Northern Ireland too - it’s quite an eye opener.

Something I genuinely thought I'd never see in my life time.

[Ragatino]

We need to wake up and see that our ‘enemy’ isn’t someone with a different political view to you, it’s the political class as a whole.

My point exactly. I voted with my feet. I left. Yes I live in a country that is less than perfect, far from it.

However, no one gets mugged in the streets here, shops don't get swarmed by masked youth and robbed blind.

There is no street violence at all. I can walk down the street, in malls anywhere I chose knowing that no one is going to attack me or even bother me.

There are no homeless people, there is no one here who isn't either working or a wife/husband or child of someone who is working and contributing to the development of the nation.

I don't see why that is such an outrageous proposition for a government and a nation to expect.

I don't like or generally engage with political threads here as I'm sick of it all TBH and this is my escape to a world for football.

The culture of a nation is not political.

Should anyone be upset with my comments, or the fact we've taken somewhat of a political turn on this one, it was not and is not my intention.

[ex_pat_magpie]

Ok, Pat. It’s quite common knowledge - just google/youtube it if you’re interested.

It may be common knowledge, but I've searched google and can only find the reasons the government give for having to do it. You may have a specific link if you could enlighten me please.

As far as I know the only taxes they were adamant about not raising were income tax, V.A.T. and National Insurance.

[ex_pat_magpie]

It may be common knowledge, but I've searched google and can only find the reasons the government give for having to do it. You may have a specific link if you could enlighten me please.

As far as I know the only taxes they were adamant about not raising were income tax, V.A.T. and National Insurance.

In the absence of your reply TopToon do you know a) How many pensioners there are living in millionaire households today and b) How many pensioners there are entitled to pension credit, about £4,000 per annum, who are not claiming it. Note this over 13 times the cold weather payment.

[toptoon]

You’re right about many pensioners receiving the payments who don’t need them - my own mother has admitted as much. Not sure which idiot brought that scheme in (will have been the Tories, I know!).

I’m not sensing a great deal of appetite for this thread on the board so I’ll leave this for now.

[ex_pat_magpie]

I'll give you the answer to my questions then.

There are in excess of 880,000 pensioners on very low income entitled to pension credit of in excess of £4,000 per annum who are not claiming it. I wonder how many of those are complaining about not getting cold weather help.

There are in excess of 3,200,000 pensioners living in millionaire households.

Those two facts alone I feel justify giving the cold weather allowance to only the most needy.

[Guybrush]

Would have posted more on this board, but I’ve just finished reading Raga’s rant 😆

[Ragatino]

Would have posted more on this board, but I’ve just finished reading Raga’s rant 😆

HAHAHAHA

Get in GuyBrush hahaha brilliant!

Genuinely made me laugh out loud dude.

Comment of the week winner!

[HughieG]

I asked ChatGPT to summarize the opening post in ten sentences:

The writer reflects on the turbulent journey of their football club, capturing the emotions and frustrations of fans over the past year.

The team has faced setbacks, including major injuries, the suspension of Tonali, and financial challenges, but the fanbase remains passionate despite enduring years of disappointment and decline. The club's recent resurgence, symbolized by Amanda’s inspiring speech and a collective optimism, has brought hope back to the Geordie fans, who are fiercely loyal and emotionally invested in the team.

The writer acknowledges the highs of last season, including a strong finish and memorable moments like the win against PSG, but also the team's struggles, inconsistency, and some lackluster performances despite good results.

They emphasize the changing attitudes within the fanbase, from low expectations to a growing sense of ambition. Despite setbacks, like a painful FA Cup loss to Manchester United, the fans remain dedicated, navigating the ups and downs of supporting a club that’s rekindled its competitive spirit. Ultimately, the writer celebrates the team's progress while remaining cautious about overconfidence, knowing that football is an unpredictable and demanding endeavor.

Well said, Raga - and thank God for AI!